Air intakes

[skylined]

I have ducting running out of the back of my grow tent, right as it gets out it is turned 90 degrees so i could tape it parallell to the back (I think I described it right). However, light still leaks out. This woudn't concern me in the slightest if light didnt leak IN as well. I am un-sure how to make a passive ducted intake light-proof. Any ideas appreciated.

Peace,
~Skylined

 

[Daemon]

Try having a bit more ducting for the intake and have it make 2 90 degree turns.

 

[SomeGuy]

Try having a bit more ducting for the intake and have it make 2 90 degree turns.

/\ true dat! Like the P trap under your sink.

Also look for some duct that has black interior, I found some good cheapo at Home Depot.

 

[Daemon]

^^Also very true. The black stuff is where it's at.

 

[skylined]

Unfortunately all I have is the cheap shitty silver ducting (like the wire / foil). Two 90 degree turns plus wrapping it all up in mylar should block all the light coming in (again, don't care about it coming out since the whole set up is locked in my bedroom).

Peace,
~Skylined

 

[iLLperception]

They have the silver ducting with a black liner inside. The stuff I get at home depot and lowes doesn't have the black liner. I bought this stuff at the local hydro store. I had the same prob with an intake leaking light and I just attached this stuff, made 2 90 degree turns, and problem was solved.

 

[JohnnyToke]

get yourself a $3 can of flat black spray paint from walmart and spray the inside of the ducts flat black. it's an easy cheap remedy.

regards,
JT

 

[skylined]

Now that is a good idea actually JT. I am heading to wal mart today to get some other gear as well (more fans!) - spray paint is a good idea. I was thinking of wrapping the fucking thing in mylar but I bet this will work a lot better.

 

[twist311]

another possibility, get a collar to connect the flex ducting. build a small box with one side open. in most pet stores you can by black filters i believe they are carbon should prevent light from coming in or out and probably help keep some critters out.

 

[Guest]

Black pantyhose will do it.

 

[Guest]

get yourself a $3 can of flat black spray paint from walmart and spray the inside of the ducts flat black. it's an easy cheap remedy.

regards,
JT

WHAT he said!

Fully extend the aluminized ducting and reach in as far as you can and spray the duct with flat black. When it dries, collapse the ducting, and repeat the procedure until it is completely spray covered. Depending on the length of the ducting you may have to do this from both ends to accomplish the task. Make sure the paint is dry before you collapse, otherwise it will act as an adhesive and glue the ducting together.

90 degree elbows substantially reduce air flow, keep runs straight and free of kinks or change of direction for a smooth uninterrupted air flow. It is all Mathematical.

TySTIK

 

[simpleword]

I whipped up this little diagram this morning for ya. This is a light proof baffle, it's pretty easy to make out of wood or thick cardboard. I made mine out of masonite and covered the outside with panda plastic. It works quite well and you can feel some serious air coming in through it. I even put a hypo-allergenic filter in it. Although this may be difficult to implement in a tent.

 

[zetaacosta]

Very nice Simpleword!

This is pretty much identical to my idea, which I have been working on since yesterday, but it's nice to have a first-hand account of this, and to hear that the design works well.

I finished the rough today, which I will try out before building the final product tomorrow.

I'll prob. be back in a couple days to report efficiency.

thanks-zeta

 

[Microwido]

At home depot or lowes, they sell a "Alergen and smell reducing furnace filter". There are 2 elements in this filter, 1 is a black carbon layer. Cut the carbon layer up to cover the inlet hole. Mine is 3 layers thick and 0 light gets out. Plus smell is blocked some, not that the inlet matters.

Works 100% for me.

 

[skylined]

I fixed the problem with a few 90 degree turns and mylar over it. Blocks it out 100%. I closed myself up in the tent after we built a curtain to go over the main door to contain the lightleaks.....total sensory deprivation lol. Will this layer of carbon over your intake stop smell from coming out in the event of a power failure and no extractor fan pulling air through the carbon scrubber?

Peace.

 

[Guest]

90 degree elbows substantially reduce air flow

Maybe you mean 90 degree bends with flexible duct substantially reduce airflow? Those prefab adjustable elbows are a different story.

 

[Daemon]

Agreed. Shouldn't be an issue, even with ducting, provided you have a solid setup/good fan.